Confucius Institute at Chiang Mai University holds Chinese language themed activities in cooperation with Prince’s Royal College

On August 10th, in celebration of the 40th anniversary of the establishment of Thai-Chinese diplomatic relations and with a view to diversifying the ways in which Thai students learn and use the Chinese language, the Confucius Institute at Chiang Mai University in Thailand launched a series of Chinese language activities themed on the folk culture of the Chinese and Thai peoples in cooperation with Prince’s Royal College, a renowned school in Chiang Mai with more than one hundred years of history. Meanwhile, a launching ceremony was held for the Chinese teaching site at Prince’s Royal College affiliated to the Confucius Institute at Chiang Mai University.

Guests attending the event included Mr. Suriya Prasartbandit, Governor of Chiang Mai; Ms. Qiu Weiwei, Deputy Consul-General of the Consulate General of China in Chiang Mai; Mr. Pisit Kiratikarnkul, presenter of Channel 7 Foreign Reporter of Thailand; Mr. Spain Jingkaojai, Manager of the Prince’s Royal College, Dr. Sirinan Sriwerasakul, Principal of the College; Ms. Yan Yu, Chinese Director of the Confucius Institute at Chiang Mai University; and around 1,000 teachers and students from some 20 schools in Northern Thailand. Mr. Suriya Prasartbandit and Ms. Qiu Weiwei both spoke at the ceremony and jointly unveiled the nameplate of the Chinese teaching site at Prince’s Royal College. Afterwards, the guests watched a series of student activities organized by the Confucius Institute.

Guests unveiling the nameplate for the Chinese teaching site at Prince’s Royal College affiliated to the Confucius Institute at Chiang Mai University

Guests appreciating students’ artworks at an exhibition

After the lively lion dance and the opening performance, TV anchor Mr. Pisit Kiratikarnkul delivered a talk titled “On the Wisdom of Chinese and Thai Folks” for the teachers and students at the auditorium of the Harris Building of Prince’s Royal College. Then, students from over 20 schools in Northern Thailand participated in a variety of activities, such as a beauty competition, a public speaking competition, and other contests involving Chinese bonsai design, facial masks painting, etc., which not only tested students’ knowledge of Chinese language and culture, but also enhanced their cultural awareness. Finally, directors and teachers of the Confucius Institute at Chiang Mai University awarded certificates and prizes to the group and individual winners.

Spectacular art performances

?“China and Thailand is a Family”—a show by Thai students

Ms. Qiu Weiwei presenting awards to Confucius Institute Scholarship winners

Towards the end of the event, many participants said that this event fully showcased the wisdom of the two peoples and offered an opportunity for the Thai public to further understand and learn Chinese folk culture.

By Liang Xiaorong